Turkana County Cracks Down on Explosives Use at Gold Mining Sites
Turkana, December 19, 2023 – KNA
The Turkana County government has raised alarm over the use of explosives and dangerous chemicals at gold-mining sites in the region, warning that the unsafe practices pose serious threats to human life and the environment.
Triza Amoni, the County Chief Officer for Minerals and Energy, inspected a collapsed mining site in Naduat village and urged miners to prioritize safety in all their operations. She warned that violations could lead to bans, withdrawal of mining permits, or both.
The uncontrolled use of explosives and chemicals is extremely dangerous and life-threatening, Amoni said during a meeting with residents and mining stakeholders. I expect those trained on safety to apply their knowledge and share it with others in the county.
The inspection follows reports of miners using explosives recklessly to extract gold. Stanley Loter, Director for Mining, said the county has launched measures to weed out unscrupulous operators in the sector.
Misuse of explosives not only endangers human lives but also degrades the environment and threatens the sustainability of productive mining sites, Loter said.
The Naduat mining site, known for gold and quarry stones that support the construction industry, provides direct employment to many locals, who in turn support the wider mining sector.
Andrew Akolom, Assistant Chief for Naduat, welcomed the government’s intervention, describing the enforcement of safety standards as vital to protecting workers and the surrounding environment.
During the inspection, the county’s technical team engaged mine site leaders, reaching an agreement on the need for joint efforts to enforce safety compliance measures across all mining operations.